Rev. David Holwick U
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
July 8, 1990
1 Corinthians 1,3
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I. How churches fall apart.
1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another
so that there may be no divisions among you and that
you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
A. Quarrels.
1) Dissension can take our eyes off Jesus faster than anything.
a) Bickering is in view, not all-out fighting.
2) Bickering causes "divisions".
Comes from Greek word for "plowed up."
Closer to "mud hole" than Grand Canyon.
Who wants to worship in a mudhole?
a) These fights can eventually tear churches up.
b) Main issue causing divisions: cliques centered on leaders.
3) Leaders are important, but a constant source of turmoil.
A member of a Pulpit Committee was getting fed up with the
number of candidates they were rejecting.
Their search for a new pastor was getting nowhere.
At the next meeting he read to the committee this resume
from an experienced Christian leader.
"Gentlemen: Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I would
like to apply for the position.
I have many qualifications.
I've been a pastor with much success and also some success
as a writer.
Some say I'm a good organizer.
I've been a leader most places I've been.
I'm over 50 years of age.
I have never preached in one place for more than three years.
In all honesty, many have said my sermons are boring, but I
stick to the Bible.
I don't believe in time constraints and some sermons have
gone an hour or more over.
In some places I have left town after my work caused trouble.
I have also not gotten along well with religious leaders in
many towns.
I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not
because of any real wrongdoing on my part.
My health is not very good, though I still get a great deal
done.
The churches I have preached in have been small, though located
in several large cities.
I am not too good at keeping records.
I have been known to forget whom I have baptized.
However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you."
The board member looked over the committee.
"Well, what do you think? Should we call him?"
They were aghast. Call an unhealthy, trouble-making, boring
preacher? Who was this candidate, anyway?"
The board member calmly read the signature:
"Sincerely, the Apostle Paul."
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B. Cliques. 1:11
1) Lay-oriented. "I follow [so-and-so]..."
a) Leaders are not wrong in themselves.
b) Jesus, Paul in list.
2) Analysis of leaders mentioned. 1:11
a) Paul.
1> Hard as nails.
2> Yet emphasized grace; could be abused.
"The more you sin, the more God can forgive."
["Sin that grace may abound."]
3> He wouldn't classify himself as a trouble-maker.
b) Apollos.
1> Acts 18:27-28.
A> Originally a follower of John the Baptist.
B> Paul and his friends straightened him out.
2> From Alexandria, Egypt. Center of wisdom.
3> Eloquent speaker, convincing.
A> Paul was not a good preacher. 2 Cor 10:10; 11:6
4> Paul praises him at end of book.
c) Cephas.
1> Palestinian name for Peter.
2> Often associated with legalistic faith.
A> Liked "do"s and "don't"s.
3> Peter never went to Corinth.
d) Jesus.
1> Hard to criticize. Perfect.
2> We are supposed to follow him.
A> Instead of saying, "We belong to Christ," this group
probably meant, "Christ belongs to us."
3) Many seek a popular leader; makes them feel bigger.
a) Popularity "cults" of communist leaders.
1> Same in many churches.
People focus on the pastor, and he changes:
Rev. Jack Hyles' attitude toward loyalty.
At a church banquet a visitor asked Hyles how he got
such loyalty from his workers.
Hyles turned to a young associate next to him and said,
"Stand up."
He stood up, and the crowd hushed and turned their
attention to him.
Then Hyles said, "Sit down."
Sheepishly, the young man sat down.
Hyles ordered him once more, "Stand up!"
The associate did, almost in tears.
Hyles turned back to the visitor who asked the question
and replied, "That's how [I get loyalty]."
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b) Easier to focus on a person than God (or Jesus).
1> God is too nebulous?
C. Focus of Corinthians was off.
1) Many in churches look to leaders to set things right.
a) The right pastor will increase attendance.
b) The right youth leader will get the kids on fire.
2) Only Jesus can set things right.
a) Church leaders are important, of course.
b) But Jesus is the one who should be in charge.
D. Spiritual babies. 3:1-4
1) Wrong emphasis on leaders is evidence of immaturity. 3:4
2) Who are babes?
a) Not brand-new Christians.
b) Weak, defeated Christians - fleshly. 3:3
1> They should be mature by now, but aren't. 3:2
II. How churches can stay together and grow.
A. Role of leaders.
1) Preach the gospel. 1:17
a) Not draw attention to self by eloquence. 1:17
b) Not to make a special group through baptism. 1:14-17
c) Don't stand in way of cross of Christ. 1:17
2) Plant and water. 3:5-11 Agriculture.
a) Different leaders have different gifts.
1> Not all cut out for youth work.
2> Not all even interesting preachers.
A> But each has a special gift.
b) Leaders must work as partners. 3:6
3) Building on the foundation. 3:10 Architecture.
a) Only foundation is Jesus. 3:11
1> Popularity, gimmicks have nothing to do with it.
b) Build carefully. 3:10
B. God's role. 3:8
1) God does not compare leaders with each other.
a) Each rewarded for own labor - compared with self. 3:8
b) Leaders are God's fellow-workers, not his
replacements. 3:9
2) God is one who makes church grow. 3:7
C. Church's role. 3:9
1) Be God's field. 3:9
2) Look to God, not men.
3) Agree and be like-minded. 1:10
4) Produce!
III. Jesus as Lord. (invitation)
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